Economy Bites | A monthly economic update podcast

In this episode, we explore the economic impact of the recent Middle East conflict, from disruptions in aviation and energy markets to rising financial risks and shifting business confidence. We also examine how governments and businesses are responding, focusing on resilience, liquidity, and the path to recovery. 

Our new report: Saudi Economy Watch is now live In our latest audio podcast we explore Saudi Arabia’s accelerating diversification journey, with non-oil sectors now contributing to 56% of GDP and a growing focus on productivity, exports, and private investment.Listen as as we unpack the new growth framework shaping more resilient, high-quality, and self-sustaining growth in Saudi Arabia.

In our latest edition of Economy Bites Parter Jing Teow explores the region’s resilience and the five themes shaping the year ahead.From diversified trade and stronger supply chains to AI deployment, workforce transformation, and fiscal discipline, these priorities are positioning the Middle East for sustainable growth despite global uncertainty in 2026 and beyond

 In this Economy Bites episode, we highlight the pressure on markets as OPEC+ supply outpaces demand and discuss what this means for GCC fiscal planning. We also spotlight the strength of the non-oil economy and the region’s growing trade links with Asia and Africa. 

In this October Economy Bites episode Partner, Jing Teow discusses the current US-China trade tensions as they continue to shape the global economic landscape — from new port fees and export rules on rare earths to halted soybean imports and tighter control over critical minerals.  Amid these shifts, GCC economies remain resilient — with growth projected around 3.5%, supported by diversification and steady non-oil momentum. As global supply chains recalibrate, strategic diversification and regional collaboration will be key to sustained growth and stability. 

In our September Economy Bites episode, Partner and Middle East Chief Economist Richard Boxshall examines the decline in oil prices, with Brent crude potentially dropping to $60 per barrel in the next quarter and even $50 by 2026.  Despite these shifts, both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are experiencing steady GDP growth of around 4%, supported by both oil and strong non-oil sectors.  Across the region, non-oil private sectors remain resilient, with PMI scores consistently above 50, indicating healthy expansion.

In this July edition of  Economy Bites, Partner Jing Teow discusses how US tariffs under President Trump have altered global trade patterns and raised inflation concerns, and what this means for the region. Importers are rerouting goods through ASEAN and the GCC as we now rapidly position ourselves as a strategic re-export hub, which carries risks and opportunities. In addition, Jing also focus on the implications of OPEC+ bringing forward planned increases in production quotas, and why this hasn’t had a huge impact on oil prices.

In our June edition of Economy Bites – our Director of Economics, Jing Teow highlighted the economic implications of the recent conflict, noting that the equity market rally halted following the attacks on Iran and significance of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil trade. Jing also discussed the short-term impact on the GCC, including temporary airspace closures and disruptions to regional travel and tourism, which are expected to be temporary. Additionally, she emphasised the potential risks of re-escalation, including impacts on tourism, inflation, and investor confidence.

 | In this episode of Economy Bites, Director of Economics, Jing Teow discusses recent tariff agreements between the US, China, and UK, mentioning temporary relief but ongoing challenges. The discussion also highlights the impact on GCC nations, with lower GDP growth forecasts from the IMF, challenges for the oil sector, and fiscal pressures on Gulf economies. Also covered are President Trump's US$700 billion AI and technology deals during his recent visit to our region.

In this edition of Economy Bites, Jing Teow our Director of Economics, examines Trump's trade policy, its impact on global markets, and investor confidence. With a forecasted 1% drop in global trade volumes, the IMF predicts a half percentage point lower GDP growth. Jing also addresses the GCC countries' exposure to tariffs and risks from lower oil prices and dollar depreciation 

In this month’s episode of Economy Bites, PwC’s Middle East Global Chief Economist Richard Boxshall delves into the impact of Trump's tariffs and how US economic policies are reshaping global trade dynamics. He highlights the global reaction to these shifts and in addition provides an analysis of the latest data from Saudi Arabia.

In this special edition of Economy Bites, Global Chief Economist Richard Boxshall shares the latest economic trends in the region from our recently launched Middle East Economy Watch: GCC strong growth and ambition, balanced with fiscal prudence.  

In this episode we share the five key themes shaping regional trends as we explore the forces set to define our evolving geoeconomic landscape in 2025. With a focus on fiscal prudence, tax reforms, AI innovation and urban transformation, the GCC is ready to navigate key economic shifts in the year ahead. 

In this month’s Economy Bites episode PwC’s Middle East Director of Economics Jing Teow reflects on the global performance of 2024 and the global outlook for 2025 outlining stable yet flat growth and she shares how this compares to the forecast for the Middle East.

In this month’s Economy Bites episode PwC’s Global and Middle East Chief Economist Richard Boxshall highlights the challenges and opportunities for the Middle East on the likely implications of the recent US presidential election highlighting three key areas: energy policy , a strong dollar and a potential trade squeeze from proposed universal tariffs. Learn more about the nuances and the potential impact of Trump’s presidency on the region

Welcome to episode 13 of Economy Bites.  In this episode we are joined by Jing Teow, PwC Middle East's Director of Economics.  This month Jing explores the factors driving the current muted response in the oil market, highlights the GCC’s expanding trade agenda and the diversification of trade relations beyond the traditional partners. Jing concludes with regional inflation dynamics which remain relatively subdued compared to the global average, however there are pockets of price pressure.

Welcome to episode 12 of Economy Bites.  In this episode we are joined by Richard Boxshall, PwC's Global Chief Economist.  This month Richard shares the latest OPEC+announcements and the implications of these on the oil sector and the economy.  In addition he shares highlights from our newly launched Middle East Economy Watch. In our latest September edition we explore the Egyptian economic turnaround and the impact of AI on the region's economy.

Welcome to episode 11 of Economy Bites.  In this episode we are joined by Jing Teow, Pwc Middle East's Director of Economics and Sustainability.  This month Jing shares the latest OPEC+ announcements and the implications of these on the GCC oil sector and economy.  In addition, we provide an update on inflation across our region and the latest on data on PMIs which continue to show robust growth in the GCC’s non oil sectors.  

Welcome to episode 10 of Economy Bites.  In this episode we are joined by Jing Teow, PwC Middle East's Director of Economics and Sustainability.  This month Jing shares her view on the global economy and the impact this is having on our region.  With moderate growth predicted in MENA over 2024 this is expected to strengthen in 2025.

Welcome to episode 9 of Economy Bites.  In this episode we are joined by Richard Boxshall, PwC Middle East's Chief Economist.  This month Richard shares highlights from our latest Economy Watch report including the impact oil cuts are having on our region, the growth in the non oil economy and alternative trade routes.

Welcome to episode 8 of Economy Bites.  In this episode we are joined by Richard Boxshall, Partner and Chief Economist in our Economics & Sustainability team at PwC Middle East.  Richard takes a look at the regional Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), the Oil Markets and the 2023 Fiscal outturn for KSA. 

Welcome to episode 7 of Economy Bites. In this episode, we are joined by Jing Teow, Director in our Economics & Sustainability team at PwC Middle East. This month, Jing discusses the five prevailing themes across the GCC this year and the wider impact they will have on the region's economies, particularly inflationary changes and the growth of the tourism sector in KSA.

Welcome to episode 5 of Economy Bites. In this episode, we are joined by Jing Teow, Director in our Economics & Sustainability team at PwC Middle East. This month, Jing discusses the impact that the conflict in Gaza has had on oil prices since the onset, and also the wider impact on the region's economies, particularly the tourism sector. 

Welcome to episode 5 of Economy Bites. In this episode, we are joined by Jing Teow, Director in our Economics & Sustainability team at PwC Middle East. This month, Jing discusses challenges within the banking sector, the impact of China’s reopening and growth targets, the overall resilience of the GCC's non oil production sectors and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's fiscal position following the pre-budget statement released in recent weeks. 

Welcome to episode 4 of Economy Bites. In this episode, we are joined by Richard Boxshall, the Middle East Chief Economist at PwC Middle East. This month, Richard discusses the GCC’s current economic outlook and the potential risks that might be coming our way. 

Welcome to episode 3 of Economy Bites. In this episode, we are joined by Jing Teow, Director in the Economics & Sustainability team at PwC Middle East. This month, Jing discusses the recent bank failures and its potential impact on the Middle East, the importance of encouraging women in the GCC workforce in honor of International Women's Day and China’s growing economic relations within the region. 

Welcome to episode 2 of Economy Bites. In this episode, we are joined by Richard Boxshall, the Middle East Chief Economist at PwC Middle East. This month, Richard shares a quarterly snapshot of the local economies in the GCC and discusses his views on what the outlook is for the year ahead, touching upon the private sectors, the oil market dynamics and inflation. 

Welcome to episode 1 of Economy Bites. In this episode, we are joined by Jing Teow, Director in the Economics & Sustainability team at PwC Middle East. Jing discusses the region’s economic forecasts and the five key themes we expect to see in the Middle East this year.